Ban Urges DPR Korea to Reconsider Planned Rocket Launch

New York, Dec 4 2012
- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is "seriously
concerned" about the announcement of a planned rocket launch
by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and
"strongly urges" it to reconsider its decision, according to
his spokesperson.

"Any such launch would constitute a
clear violation of Security Council resolution 1874, in
which the Council demanded that the DPRK not conduct any
launch using ballistic missile technology," the spokesperson
said in a note to correspondents today. "Such a launch would
also heighten tension in the region."

According to media
reports, the DPRK's state news agency on Saturday announced
the decision to launch another space satellite, sometime
between 10 December and 22 December. A similar attempt in
April was unsuccessful.

"The Secretary-General strongly
urges the DPRK to reconsider its decision and to suspend all
activ ities related to its ballistic missile programme," Mr.
Ban's spokesperson said. "He further calls upon the DPRK to
re-establish its moratorium on missile launches, as required
by the Security Council."

The spokesperson added that the
UN chief renews his call on the DPRK authorities to work
towards building confidence with neighbouring countries and
improving the life of its people.

"He reaffirms his
commitment to working for peace and stability on the Korean
peninsula and helping the people in the DPRK," he
said.

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